Christchurch is in for a scorcher today, with 28 degrees and wind from mid-morning as the Port Hills fire continues to burn. 

More than 130 firefighters, two helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft are on the scene this morning, replacing overnight crews. 

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger told Mike Hosking that eighty properties in the area had been evacuated. 

He said that all the emergency services are together at the Justice Precinct Centre, calling it an “extremely good asset. 

The fire looks worse at night time, Mauger told Hosking, as the darkness accentuates the flames burning. 

The fire is happening in the same area as the last blaze which happened almost seven years ago to the day. 

LISTEN ABOVE